Customer refuses service in Warsaw shop over Ukrainian accent amid rising hate crimes

A customer in a Warsaw bicycle and electric scooter shop refused service to an employee due to their Ukrainian accent, reportedly stating, "I don't want to buy from Ukrainians." The customer allegedly described themselves as a xenophobe when initially questioned. However, upon realizing the conversation was being recorded and asked to repeat their comments, the customer changed their explanation, claiming the accent was simply difficult to understand.

This incident highlights a disturbing trend in Poland, where anti-Ukrainian hate crimes are on the rise. According to the newspaper "Rzeczpospolita," police received 180 reports of hate crimes motivated by animosity towards Ukrainians in the first half of 2026. This represents a 30% increase compared to the same period last year, and if the trend continues, the number of such crimes could reach 360 by the end of the year, the highest in recent years.

The issue has gained national attention, including a recent case where a bus driver in Bielsko-Biała verbally abused two 11-year-old Ukrainian girls. The driver was arrested, charged with public insult based on nationality, and subsequently fired. These incidents reflect a broader deterioration in Polish-Ukrainian relations, significantly impacted by Kyiv's decision to name an elite military unit in honor of a World War II-era Ukrainian resistance movement. This movement is associated with the deaths of approximately 100,000 Polish civilians, sparking a major political dispute and leading Polish President Andrzej Duda to revoke a high state award previously given to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Adding to the complex geopolitical climate, anti-Ukrainian content has proliferated online. Investigators warn that Russian disinformation campaigns are actively seeking to sow discord between Poland and Ukraine, further inflaming political tensions. The incident in the Warsaw shop, while seemingly isolated, underscores the growing societal friction and the impact of historical grievances and external influences on current relations.

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I don't want to buy from Ukrainians